Scales

Large and Small Scales

Weights and Measures investigators regularly conduct inspections to ensure equity of commercial measuring devices and commercial transactions involving quantity. We check over 21,000 small capacity scales used commercially to weigh items at check-out, at meat/deli counters, or in pawn shops or jewelry stores. All commercial scales are inspected for accuracy, suitability of equipment, proper installation, and that they are legal for retail trade.

Small, seemingly insignificant errors can add up. For example, assume a scale used for weighing cheese is incorrect by 0.01 pound. Only 100 uses of the scales per day for 300 days, at a unit price of $7.99 a pound, would result in an error of $2,397 per year. The only way you could know the scale was in error was if you tested it.

That is where our Division comes in. If you have a scale, used for commercial purposes, it's required to have a Division device license and have a Certificate of Conformance issued by the National Type Evaluation Program (NTEP).

To obtain a device license, just send a completed Placed In Service Report (PISR). You will be issued a Business Multi-Function (BMF) number and billed for the device licenses once the PISR is reviewed and approved. Your BMF number is your Agency ID number.

Licensed device changes must be reported to the Division within 7 days of the change. If transferring a license, the new licensee shall notify the Division of the following: new business name, address and the location of the device(s). NOTE: all devices used for commercial purposes must be NTEP-approved.